cbe livable buildings awards 2009 cohos evamy toronto …...(45.17 kbtu/ft2) as reported by the...

CBE Livable Buildings Awards 2009

Cohos Evamy Toronto Studio

C O H O S E VA M Y TO R O N TO S T U D I O | C B E L I VA B L E B U I L D I N G AWA R D S 2 0 0 9

Submission Contents

1. Project Narrative

2. Project Images

3. Energy Performance Data

4. Project Team

5. Additional InformationFloor Plan DrawingsLEED Score CardToronto Studio Case StudyCanadian Interiors Magazine - “A Tale of Two Offices”, September/October 2008



Cohos Evamy integratedesign™ is a multidisciplinary design firm of more than 400 people collaborating between studios in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton. We were established in Calgary in 1960, in Edmonton in 1980 and in Toronto in 2003. Due to the rapid growth of our Toronto studio, by 2006 we had expanded beyond the capacity of our location on the 18th floor of the Hudson Bay Tower at Yonge and Bloor. We strongly felt that in order to successfully design inspired spaces our own offices needed to be inspirational. With that in mind when we relocated to the 10th floor, we designed the space to reflect our firm’s unique values and culture. Our new studio space reflects Cohos Evamy’s passion for design, its commitment to the community, and its desire to create a sustainable future.

OUR GOALSTwo key goals were identified in the design of our new studio: The first goal was to design a functional, open studio that would be supportive of our integrated and collaborative design approach. The second was to create a space that would reflect the firm’s fundamental belief in sustainable design. As part of our integratedesign™ process, a charrette was held with all members of the Toronto studio to brainstorm ideas and discuss design solutions that would help us create an engaging green work environment. The finished space is now a showcase for sustainable design, and quality design. This is most clearly evidenced in the studio’s visual simplicity, efficiency of layout, carefulness in material selection, attention to detail, and skilled use of light and volume.

As a fully integrated architecture, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering and interior design practice, we sought to create an interactive work environment supportive of spontaneous collaboration. This goal has been achieved through the use of open workstations, strategically placed ‘teaming’ areas, serendipitous conversation stations and state-of-the-art video conference meeting rooms. Providing circulation for these areas, a pedestrian corridor runs along the perimeter of the floor plate, allowing for free circulation and excellent access to daylight for all workstations.


WHAT WE DIDInnovative and environmentally responsive strategies were used in the design and construction of the space. From the onset of demolition, an effective construction waste management plan was put in place, including an extensive recycling and material salvaging program. As a result, the construction process itself diverted 80% of construction waste away from the city landfills. The final design solution includes the use of carefully selected finishes and materials to protect indoor air quality, the use of low-flow, dual-flush, and waterless plumbing fixtures to reduce potable water consumption, and the combined use of natural day-lighting with high performance, occupancy-sensored light fixtures to reduce energy consumption. Thermofuser diffusers have been installed in all meeting rooms to provide for room-specific temperatures and ventilation control to improve thermal control and comfort and temperature can be controlled in the open office areas by zone-by-zone controls.

The lighting design of our studio is 30% more efficient than the stringent ASHRAE 90.1-2004 standards and the studio itself is 59% more water efficient than a standard office space, saving approximately 33,000 toilet flushes each year. We have also reused all of our existing furniture and workstations from our previous studio, reducing the need for new materials. 90% of our office has visual access to external windows, connecting people to their external environment and providing everyone with a day-lit work area.

Beyond the green design of the built environment, Cohos Evamy embraces the principles of sustainability in its studio culture. The studio’s central location in the city was largely chosen based on community connectivity and the fact that it has the best public transportation access in the City of Toronto. The office is directly connected by an interior pathway to the central hub of the North-South and East-West subway lines at Yonge and Bloor and several bus lines. Parking is not provided on the site, but there are various locations for bicycle storage adjacent to the building. These factors significantly reduce automobile use to improve Toronto’s air quality, and help to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions while promoting employee health and wellness.



Office waste reduction is also an important part of the studio culture. A dedicated area for the collection and storage of recyclables is complemented by various smaller recycling stations located throughout the office. Each individual workstation has a recycling bin, and recyclables are also collected at kitchen and coffee stations. We also have designated bins for the safe disposal of batteries, paints and other toxic materials. Our studio’s recycling program, in harmony with the property management’s recycling program, helps divert approximately 62% of our daily operational waste from landfill.

How things are cleaned has a direct impact on indoor air quality. The property manager, Brookfield Properties, has adopted a sustainable strategy for cleaning called “Green Clean”. They define this as the practice of using eco-friendly procedures, materials and cleaning compounds to create a greener and healthier environment. This strategy is used in the cleaning of our Toronto Studio. Education is a core company value and the creation of an educational outreach program has been implemented as a key to educate, promote and raise awareness of sustainable design for both company employees and client groups at large. Small ‘Did you know?’ information wall-plaques are dispersed throughout the studio to inform employees and visitors about the many sustainable features of our space. In addition to this, green bulletins are posted on the kitchen wall to inform staff about local farmers markets, lectures on sustainability and other valuable knowledge to support them in living more eco-responsible lives.



2. Project Images

Reception Desk with Boardroom visible through glass doors that can be lifted out of the way to create a larger space for staff gatherings or social functions.

Main Boardroom.


Work Stations with book shelf dividers and green plantings for cleaner air.

Work Stations are lit from above with fixtures that sense daylight levels and occupancy to turn on and off.

Each station also has a desk lamp with CFL Bulbs to provide task lighting.

Open plan Work Stations foster collaboration.


A pedestrian corridor runs along the perimeter of the floor plate, allowing for free circulation and excellent access to daylight for all workstations.

Reception Door.


3. Energy Performance Data

The Cohos Evamy studio sub-meters power consumption for both lighting and plug loads. Based upon actual consumption from October 2008 to September 2009, the studio consumes 44% less energy for lighting and plug load (25.18 kBtu/ft2) as compared to the average for office buildings in Ontario (45.17 kBtu/ft2) as reported by the Natural Resources Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency, Comprehensive Energy Use Database.

Central heating, cooling and ventilation systems serve the Cohos Evamy studio. To determine the annual total energy use, the average for office buildings in Ontario was assumed for all loads except lighting and plug. Based on this assumption, the annual total energy use is 105.2 kBtu/ft2.


4. Project Team

Role Team Member

Tenant / Occupant Cohos Evamy, Doug McConnell

Building Owner / Developer Brookfield Properties Management, Alissa Rankin

LEED Consultant Cohos Evamy, Craig Applegath

Architect Cohos Evamy, Craig Applegath

Mechanical Engineer Cohos Evamy, Tim McGinn

Electrical Engineer Cohos Evamy, Brad Gibson

General Contractor Jesslin Interiors Limited, Jason Waters

Commissioning Agent Hunter Facilities Management Inc., Herb Hunter, Mike Horn

Senior Manager, Property & Tenant Services

Brookfield Properties Management, Kevin Hallford

Electrical Designer Cohos Evamy, Nicholas Chu


5. Additional Information

On the following pages, these documents are included for additional information:

• Floor Plan Drawings

• LEED Score Card

• Toronto Studio Case Study

• Canadian Interiors Magazine - “A Tale of Two Offices”, September/October 2008

LEED Canada-CI 1.0 Project Checklist

Yes No

36 ### Project Totals (pre-certification estimates) 57 Points

Certified 21-26 points Silver 27-31 points Gold 32-41 points Platinum 42-57 points

Yes No

4.0 3.0 Sustainable Sites 7 Points

3 Credit 1 Select a LEED Certified Building 3

OR Options A - L (Maximum 3 Points)

0.5 Credit 1 Option A. Brownfield Redevelopment 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option B. Stormwater Management, Rate and Quantity 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option C. Stormwater Management, Treatment 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option D. Heat Island Reduction, Non-Roof 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option E. Heat Island Reduction, Roof 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option F. Light Pollution Reduction 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option G. Water Efficient Irrigation, Reduced Potable Water Consumption 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option H. Water Efficient Irrigation, No Potable Water Use or No Irrigation 0.5

0.5 Credit 1 Option I. Innovative Wastewater Technologies 0.5

1.0 Credit 1 Option J. Water Use Reduction, 20% or 30% Reduction 1

1.0 Credit 1 Option K. Onsite Renewable Energy 1

3.0 Credit 1 Option L. Other Quantifiable Environmental Performance 3

1 Credit 2 Development Density and Community Connectivity 1

1 Credit 3.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1

1 Credit 3.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1

1 Credit 3.3 Alternative Transportation, Parking Availability 1

Yes No

2 Water Efficiency 2 Points

1 Credit 1.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1

1 Credit 1.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1

Yes No

8 4 Energy & Atmosphere 12 Points

Prereq 1 Fundamental Commissioning Required

Prereq 2 Minimum Energy Performance Required

Prereq 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Required

2 1 Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance, Lighting Power 3

1 Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance, Lighting Controls 1

2 Credit 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance, HVAC 2

2 Credit 1.4 Optimize Energy Performance, Equipment & Appliances 2

1 Credit 2 Enhanced Commissioning 1

1 1 Credit 3 Energy Use, Measurement & Payment Accountability 2

1 Credit 4 Green Power 1

Cohos Evamy Toronto Studio

2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1000, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8

Yes No

6 8 Materials & Resources 14 Points

Prereq 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables Required

1 Credit 1.1 Tenant Space, Long-Term Commitment 1

1 Credit 1.2 Building Reuse, Maintain 40% of Interior Non-Structural Components 1

1 Credit 1.3 Building Reuse, Maintain 60% of Interior Non-Structural Components 1

1 Credit 2.1 Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% from Landfill 1

1 Credit 2.2 Construction Waste Management, Divert 75% from Landfill 1

1 Credit 3.1 Resource Reuse, 5% 1

1 Credit 3.2 Resource Reuse, 10% 1

1 Credit 3.3 Resource Reuse, 30% Furniture and Furnishings 1

1 Credit 4.1 Recycled Content, 10% (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) 1

1 Credit 4.2 Recycled Content, 20% (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) 1

1 Credit 5.1 Regional Materials, 20% Manufactured Regionally 1

1 Credit 5.2 Regional Materials, 10% Extracted and Manufactured Regionally 1

1 Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1

1 Credit 7 Certified Wood 1

Yes No

11 6 Indoor Environmental Quality 17 Points

Prereq 1 Minimum IAQ Performance Required

Prereq 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Required

1 Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1

1 Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 1

1 Credit 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction 1

1 Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan, Before Occupancy 1

1 Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants 1

1 Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials, Paints and Coating 1

1 Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet Systems 1

1 Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials, Composite Wood and Laminate Adhesives 1

1 Credit 4.5 Low-Emitting Materials, Systems Furniture and Seating 1

1 Credit 5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1

1 Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems, Lighting 1

1 Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems, Temperature and Ventilation 1

1 Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort, Compliance 1

1 Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort, Monitoring 1

1 Credit 8.1 Daylight & Views, Daylight 75% of Spaces 1

1 Credit 8.2 Daylight & Views, Daylight 90% of Spaces 1

1 Credit 8.3 Daylight & Views, Views for 90% of Seated Spaces 1

Yes No

5 ### Innovation & Design Process 5 Points

1 Credit 1.1 Innovation in Design 1


1 ### Credit 1.3 Innovation in Design 1


1 Credit 2 LEED® Accredited Professional 1

cohos evamy toronto studio sustainable design | case study

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toronto studio2 bloor street east, suite 1000

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public transitThe Toronto Studio location in the Hudson Bay Tower at 2 Bloor Street East was largely chosen based on community connectivity and the fact that it has the best public transportation access in the City of Toronto. The location fully supports the use of existing mass public transit, being located at the Yonge and Bloor central hub of the North-South and East-West subway lines, as well as being on two bus lines (#6 and #97). Parking is not provided

on the site, but there are various locations for bicycle storage adjacent to the building. These factors tend to reduce our staff’s automobile use and this will improve Toronto’s air quality, and help to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions while promoting employee health and wellness.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION


2

water wiseAccess to clean, renewable water supply is becoming increasingly difficult as the global climate changes and demand increases in a growing economy. Implementing water efficient systems reduces the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.

fixturesAt the Toronto Studio we have installed dual-flush high performance water closets, waterless urinals and hands-free low-flow faucets to reduce our consumption of potable water.

water savingsThe implemented water system is highly efficient and has allowed us to reduce our water use by 59% over a standard office, a water saving equivalent to approximately 33,260 flushes each year.

wATER EffIcIENcythe commercial sector is responsible for 18% of all water consumption.


3

controlsOur tenant additions to the mechanical system have been installed to provide high levels of zone control and to provide increased thermal comfort for our employees. Each thermal zone has been installed with its own variable volume air terminal unit to satisfy individual requirements while keeping energy consumption low.

light energyLighting in commercial office spaces is typically very energy intensive. Reducing energy consumption through efficient lighting is therefore a key strategy in reducing our environmental footprint and lowering our green house gas emissions.

mEchANIcAL & LIghTINg SySTEmS

an efficient mechanical system increases comfort levels, saves on energy bills and reduces green house gas emissions.


4

energy efficiencyTo reduce electricity consumption we have installed high-efficiency fluorescent strip lighting coupled with occupancy sensors. The lighting system also includes a time clock control which turns the lights off after hours.

daylight sensorsThe studio is equipped with daylight sensors which shut off general lighting automatically when the daylight levels in our office are high enough. Overall, the Toronto Studio lighting production achieved 30% below the ASHRAE/90.1-2004 standards.

LIghTINg SySTEmS

almost one third of energy consumption in commercial buildings is associated with lighting.

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energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency reduces the environmental burdens of pollution, land degradation, and human health risks associated with energy production and use. Installing more energy efficient appliances helps support further development in more efficient technology as well as reducing our energy consumption.

energy star appliancesIncreased levels of energy conservation were achieved at the studio by selecting energy efficient computer equipment and appliances as qualified by the EPA’s Energy Star Program. Over 90% of our pertinent equipment energy loads are from Energy Star compliant appliances.

EQUIPmENT & APPLIANcES

what is energy star The international ENERGY STAR symbol is a simple way for consumers to identify products that are among the most energy-efficient on the market. For more information please visit: www.energystar.gov

energy efficient equipment and appliances ensure energy use reductions for non-metered electrical devices.


6

office recyclingTypical offices go through a large amount of waste in their everyday operations. Implementing an office recycling program helps to divert waste from landfills which contribute to global warming through green house gas emissions.

recycling programThe Cohos Evamy Toronto Studio has implemented a full scale recycling program, covering a broad range of materials including paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. We also have implemented a “Toxic Taxi” program where employees can safely dispose of toxic items such as paint and garbage items like batteries.

signage and educationWe have provided clear informational signage and designated collection bins help to improve the effectiveness of an office recycling program. Direction for new employees in our studio helps ensure the recycling program is working over the long term.

REcycLINg & wASTE

twenty-five percent (25%) of all man-made methane emissions in canada comes from landfills. currently, the methane being generated from all canadian landfills is equivalent to the emissions of 5.5 million cars.


7

furnitureFurniture is often the single largest single purchase made for commercial interiors projects. By reusing furniture and furnishings for this project, we were able to significantly reduce the environmental impacts associated with disposal, demand for virgin materials and additional manufacturing.

worKstationsOne hundred percent of the existing workstations from our previous studio were re-used resulting in both cost savings and environmental benefits.

designIn the early stages of the design process reuse of workstations and furniture was taken into account allowing easy transition once the new studio was occupied. This greatly reduced the need for new workstations.

fURNITURE

over 36% of all our furniture and furnishings were reused in our new space.

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volatile organic compounds VOC’s impact indoor air quality and cause “sick building syndrome,” building related illnesses, and multiple chemical sensitivities. Material selection is important to creating interior spaces with low-volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.

paints, carpets & sealantsThe paints, carpets, sealants, and casework used for this project all had very low VOC content and produced minimal off-gassing. The Toronto Studio uses carpet tile with recycled content which can also be returned to the manufacturer for re-use at the end of its life cycle.

SUSTAINABLE fINIShES

clean airAs a result, the indoor air quality during the construction process and over the lifetime of the building will result in a healthier, more pleasant indoor environment for building occupants.

carpet in a landfill will last 20,000 years.


9

comfortThermally comfortable environments support increased productivity and well-being of the space occupants. We have designed for an increased level of comfort for the occupants through effective control and monitoring of the indoor environment.

controlThe mechanical duct system has been installed with zone controls to allow increased thermal comfort for the occupants. Each air supply outlet has been coupled with its own diffuser box in order to provide very efficient thermal zone control.

monitoringA new building management system serving the major mechanical systems within the building provides constant feedback and monitoring, allowing the building operator to respond by adjusting the system to suit occupant requirements.

ThERmAL cOmfORT

thermal comfort results in

increased health and productivity for building

occupants.

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open floor planDaylighting improves the indoor environment of buildings by exposing occupants to natural light as well as improving energy efficiency by reducing the need for electrical lighting. Our open floor plan design for the Toronto Studio ensures good levels of natural light and a connection to the outdoors through glazing views.

borrowed lightIn order to maximize gain of daylighting and views, the studio is designed with indoor glazing allowing non-perimeter spaces to borrow light from the open spaces. This creates a spatial connectivity which increases occupant comfort, wellbeing and ultimately results in increased productivity.

DAyLIghT & VIEwS

90% of all workspaces have visual connection to external windows.

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One is in Calgary. The other is in Toronto. Both — studios by andfor Cohos Evamy integratedesign — are clean and lean and green.

By John Bentley Mays

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 CANADIAN INTERIORS 57

Can office design be both green and -:

beautiful? In recent schemes for itsToronto and Calgary studios, theCanadian architectural and engineeringfirm Cohos Evamy integratedesign says“Yes!” and shows how.

It helps to start with a good setting.One easy way for a company to proclaiman affinity for sustainability, of course,is to get an old factory, strip it back tothe bricks and girders, and outfit theplace in a spirit of ultramodern chic. Butfor Cohos Evamy’s Toronto operation,taking this tack wasn’t an option. Thestudio’s home base was to be a full floorof a dowdy, modern commercial towerat the busy intersection of Bloor andYonge streets.

The renovation budget was small.So the firm put its 56 heads togetherto come up with solutions that wouldvisibly express their corporate commitment to green, efficient design, while alsocreating the kind of no nonsense contextdesigners like to work in. “If we couldn’tmake something exciting,” says partnerCraig Applegarth, “then we weren’t verygood architects.”

The result of this team effort is a handsome environmet,designed tbLEEDGold standards, that sits brightly in itsbanal highrie framework. In its plaincraft and systéms,tliedesign says “Wemean green businss’frbufthe get go.The spare reception area for example, isless a luxurious introduction to the cOin

pany’s business than The- serious littlefoyer of a workshop: visitors and clientsare given a bench, not a comfy sofa, to siton while they wait. Glass garage doors,which can be rolled up for large meetings another touch of knocked togethersimplicity separate this foyer from theprincipal conference room.

This austere aesthetic is carriedforward throughout the office. Blondeplywood sets the visual tone of the workspace. This material serves in tabletops(often lifted off the bare concrete floorby Ikea legs), in the custom built workstations arrayed just inside the internalstreet that runs around the floor plate’sperimeter, and in the board and steelbook cabinets.

The use of such plain stuff in simplesystems creates an attractive sense ofpost-modern lightness and transience,like that of a campsite: one imagines that

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Right In Cohos Evamy’sToronto studio,glass garage doors,along with a glazed,full—height pivot door,separate the sparereception area fromthe principal conference,room..Inset A view ofthe reception area frooutside the entrance.Above Teaming space -

allows for impromptusketching and writingon floor—to-ceilingwhiteboa rds.

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a moving crew could come in one night

and have the plywood desks, Herman

Miller chairs, the whole kit and caboodle,

folded down into a few crates and readyto ship on to a new location by sunup.

Looking more closely at the Torontostudio’s layout, the visitor discovers numerous small signs meant to alert staffand clients to less obvious green featuresof the design. We find, for example, thatduring the construction period, contractors were required to separate all wastematerial for specific recycling a movethat diverted over 60 per cent of therubbish from landfill sites. Paints dfinishes, and the small areas of carpeting, are low in VOCs, hence a contributionto better air quality. Almost all areashave access to the building’s glass curtainwall, and artificial lighting is sensorcontrolled to ensure even illuminationthroughout the day.

The conservation of water has alsobeen a large concern. According to company statistics, the studio’s washroomsare 48 per cent more efficient than thosein standard offices, which saves 100,000toilet flushes a year. Standard toilets usebetween 13 and 18 litres of water for eachflush; these dual flush toilets use onlyfour or less.

Cohos Evamy’s worries about fritteringaway water extends to the firm’s largerCalgary studio. Low flow faucets,waterless urinals and dual flush toiletsthere save up to 60 per cent on waterwaste, Calgary architect and partnerJanice Liebe estimates.

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Right and below Theaustere aesthetic iscarried through to theToronto studio’sworkspace, designed tosupport collaboration.Open workstations,arrayed just inside theinternal street that runsaround the perimeterof the studio, allowfor penetration ofnatural light to thefloorplate’s core.Materials and finisheswere selected to suit a“real working studio” —

where model building,hot gluing and designpin—up take place.

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Liebe attributes her office’s baggi’: fLEED Silver certification to such ri: tusdownsizing of water usage, as wel s Je estudio-wide mindfulness about th’ oporate and natural environment. P;’ ntand finishes with urethane have bbanished. The carpets are made froreused materials, and the office pur esa vigorous campaign of recycling evething from coffee grounds to computef’

components.The Calgary project shares several of

these environmental priorities with itsToronto counterpart. In terms of visualstyle, however, the difference betweenthe studios is sharp. Situated in an oldwarehouse, the Calgary office resemblesan elegant, vast residential loft. Warmwood trim and structures ease thestarkness of white and glass walls, anda broad open riser wooden staircaseconnects the offiqe’s two levels. Lightstreams into the space through largeindustrial windows punched into thebuilding’s brick cladding. In a concessionto ordinariness the Toronto office did notmake, the Calgary workstations for theoffice’s 170 employees are off the shelfcommercial products, pushed up againstwindows that overlook the Stampedegrounds and the downtown towers. Inmost other ways, howver, the place is refined and thoughtful, and it declares thecompany’s efficient, ecologically responsibie mandate. -

Much has been done, for example, to• provide for the well-being of employee.

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Right In the elegantreception area of CohosEvamy’s Calgary studio,a projection wall allowsfor visuals to runcontinuously. At left,adjacent to a commonlibrary, is a wide,open—riser staircasethat connects thestudio’s two levels. Thespace is flexible andcan be transformed intoa gathering arealthe—atre setup to allow forpresentations utilizingthe projection wall.BelowA typical studioworkspace, designed tofoster collaboration.

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Right Between themen’s and women’swashrooms in theCalgary studio is a glasswall that serves asa marker board, onwhich bosses andemployees canshare inspirationalthoughts, words ofwisdom and thoughtsfor the day. Low—flowfaucets, waterlessurinals and dual—flushtoilets save up to 60per cent on waterwaste. Below A secondstaircase, also adjacentto a common library,connects the studio’stwo floors. To theleft of the stair is animpromptu meetingarea, complete withcounter.

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shower room in the basement. And thepartners have installed an acoustic system that generates so called “pink noise,”which subtly separates one desk in theopen plan from another. But lowering theracket level always a problem in steeland concrete structures is almost theonly partition Cohos Evamy has imposedon its Calgary architects, designers andengineers. As they do in Toronto, bosseshere occupy the same space as their employees. Unobstructed corridors in bothplaces, and that sleek stair in Calgary,continually offer occasions for impromptu meetings and other encounters.Though the Calgary staff is gathered intoseveral sub studios, each representing adifferent professional skill, the open arrangement of furnishings and the amplespatial connectivity militate against thecreation of social silos.

“The studio is meant to demonstrateour expertise, and to reflect who we are,”Janice Liebe says. TMBut it’s also a recruiting tool for young architects. It givesthem the message that we’re a fun placeto be, that we’re open and accessible,we’re very contemporary and forward-looking. We are not an Onward lookingarchitectural firm. W e part of thecommunity. If t ilding can portraythe be s of our culture, then we’ve

ceeded.”

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11

cleaning A common activity such as how a building is cleaned and the types of products it is cleaned with has a direct impact on indoor air quality. Traditional cleaners are typically dangerous to use and release irritating and often toxic fumes, harsh acids and alkalis, glycol ethers, particulates, petroleum distillates, and even carcinogens.

eco-friendly productsHow things are cleaned has a direct impact on indoor air quality. Our landlord, Brookfield Properties, has adopted a sustainable strategy for cleaning called “Green Clean”. They define this as the practice of using eco-friendly procedures, materials and cleaning compounds to create a greener and healthier environment. This strategy is used in the cleaning of the Toronto Studio.

EcO-fRIENDLy cLEANINg PRODUcTS

healthy environmentGood housekeeping benefits building occupants by creating a healthier environment resulting in improved productivity and reduced labour costs.

eco-friendly cleaning products result in a healthier indoor and outdoor environment.

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cbe livable buildings awards 2009 cohos evamy toronto …...(45.17 kbtu/ft2) as reported by the...

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